Gianfranco Rosi’s latest distinctive documentary, “Notturno,” makes visual poetry out of suffering. A questionable strategy? Sure, but the Italian filmmaker, who does his own cinematography, also gives about equal time to the dignity of surviving here. It adds up to a thing of terrible, experiential and even rather contemplative beauty.

Italy’s entry for this year’s best international feature Oscar, “Notturno” was shot over three years along the borders of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Kurdistan — traumatized regions marked by invasion, colonization, dictatorship, civil war and internecine conflict. In long takes with little to no explanation of what we’re specifically watching or where, Rosi weaves a rich tapestry of historical agony and defiant resilience. People mourn, take up arms in self-defense and get on with the everyday necessities. Some still reach for joy and meaning.